Experience gingers’ unique approach to health, well being
and natural beauty...massage studios and health shop in the heart of St.Albans.

Ginger Natural Health

After a hard days work, or play - or just because you feel that your body deserves a treat, a massage may be the perfect answer. Allow yourself to slip into perfect bliss with a relaxing therapeutic massage.

Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health and well-being.

It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the Arabic ‘mass’ or ‘Mas’h’ meaning to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain or discomfort.

Massage has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western traditions. By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), who created a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage. This consists of five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion), and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every part of the body.

Acupressure, Acupuncture, Acu-Lymphatic Facial, Amatsu , Aromatherapy , Biodynamic Massage , Bowen Technique , Chavutti Thirumal Masage , Deep Lymphatic Therapy , Deep Tissue Massage , Hellerwork, Indian Head Massage, LaStones Therapy , Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) , Neuromuscular Therapy , On-site Massage , Reflexology , Reiki , Remedial Massage , Rolfing , Shiatsu , Sports Massage, Swedish and Therapeutic Massage.

Acupressure can alleviate:
Pain, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, toothache, dizziness, menstrual pain, digestive disorders including diarrhea and constipation, nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, stress and tiredness.

Acupuncture in Hertfordshire. Very fine needles gently stimulate the natural healing response, having an effect on psychological and physiological functions. Particularly useful for female health including fertility issues and pregnancy. Also effective in treating muscular and skeletal injuries and stress related illness.

Acupuncture Facial Revitalisation An exciting treatment developed from the ancient art of acupuncture that can help to reduce the signs of aging. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Acu-Lymphatic Facial - St.Albans A luxurious customized facial working on vital acupressure and lymphatic points, to stimulate muscles and clear toxins. Together with the use of natural and organic products this promotes the natural glow of the skin. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

How can Amatsu help you?

Amatsu can help you with most conditions. If you are suffering from any pain or stress or you are feeling generally below par, or even feel like giving yourself a relaxing treat, Amatsu may be the answer for you.What’s it all about?
An important concept in Amatsu is that the whole person needs treating, not just the presenting symptoms. This includes paying attention to

1. The physical body
2. Nutrition
3. Energy (Ki)
4. Mind/emotions
5. Environment

All these need to be in balance for perfect health. Imbalance in any one of them will affect all the others.

Aromatherapy treatments have both physiological and psychological effects. The combination of massage and the medicinal and therapeutic qualities of the essential oils (molecules both inhaled [aroma] and absorbed through the skin) can soothe, revitalise, uplift the spirit, encourage positive thinking and boost the immune system enabling the body to heal itself.

Aromatherapy Facial This facial uses a combination of essential oils which are chosen for the individual. It releases tension in the face, increases muscle tone and feeds the skin. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Aromatherapy Massage Essential oils from various plants are selected for the individual
to treat the imbalances of the body. During the massage they are absorbed by the skin and inhaled into the lungs. This results in deep relaxation and a sense of inner calm. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Baby Massage. The baby-parent bond is one that is based on touch. The therapist teaches the techniques of massage to help calm the baby, reducing anxiety, promoting confidence and a sense of well-being for baby.

Baby Reflexology Hertfordshire. This new and innovative style of reflexology shows parents how
to soothe, calm and relax their baby with a natural remedy at their finger tips. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Biodynamic Massage therapists are trained to help make sense of both the physical and emotional aspects of daily experiences. Sometimes people get in touch with feelings or memories which help them find meaning in their current situation, and the massage therapist will give support and space for this process if it is chosen.

Body Stress Release. BSR is a revolutionary technique that uses gentle pressure to relieve all forms of tension, pain and discomfort throughout the whole body. It will revitalize, heal and de-stress the body allowing it to regain natural alignment. A unique experience for everyone including mums to be and new born babies. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

A Bowen treatment is useful for everyone from newborn infants through to the elderly. Although it is a powerful and dynamic tool for treating ailments and injuries, many people in good health enjoy regular treatments to maintain optimal body balance. The Bowen Technique makes a positive, healthy impact by providing more energy and an overall sense of well-being.

Bowen can be an effective treatment for:

* Musculo-skeletal, back and neck problems.
* Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and R.S.I.
* Accident and sports injuries.
* Problems with posture and body alignment.
* Stress and tension-based reactions, migraine and recurring headaches.
* Bronchial and related conditions such as hay-fever and asthma.
* many cases of emotional illness where relaxation is a prime factor in easing pain and anxiety.

Chavutti, when practised properly really is a mind, body, and soul treatment and works not only on a physical level but on an emotional level too. Thus helping to break the cycle of mental/emotional stress leading to muscular tension and pain.
More importantly, when performed regularly it is working at preventing further illness rather than just merely alleviating existing symptoms.

Cranio Sacral Therapy. Using lightness of touch this therapy works with the central
nervous system to release deeply held physical and emotional traumas. It is safe for babies, the elderly and acutely painful conditions. It is ultimately relaxing, empowering the body to restore natural balance. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Deep Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) was pioneered by an Australian lady, Grace Halliday. Through her experiences, Grace discovered that many degenerative problems are related to dysfunction of the lymphatic system, which, if not addressed, can cause an inability to remove waste and toxic material. This toxicity builds up in various types of tissue resulting in a wide variety of symptoms we then call disease. Angela Heath practices DLT, Aromatherapy and Remedial Massage. Her practice is at The Meeting Room, Kings Langley in Hertfordshire. For more information or an appointment call 07900 168996.

Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibre's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue.

Emotional Freedom Technique This technique is often described as acupuncture without the needles. It works by tapping gently on meridian points on the hands, face and body. This easy to learn technique releases negative energy that causes damaging emotional issues such as cravings, addictions, fears and phobias. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Hellerwork was developed by Joseph Heller in the late 1970's, this is a combination of movement re-education and muscle and connective tissue therapy, stressing the mind-body connection. Used to treat chronic pain as well as to help people to live more comfortably with their bodies.

Homeopathy. Homeopathy is a gentle yet highly effective system of medicine. It is safe for the whole family and can be used during pregnancy. The remedies are chosen for the individual after a consultation discussing physical symptoms, emotions, lifestyle, family and medical history. Homeopathy stimulates the body’s natural healing ability to eliminate symptoms, increase energy and restore a sense of well being.

Hypnobirthing Using techniques from hypnotherapy to encourage confidence and relaxation, therefore promoting a good birth experience.

Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration – a state of mind where we communicate to our subconscious mind. This part of our mind influences what we think, how we feel and the choices that we make. Hypnosis has a proven record with phobias, addiction, presentation skills and childbirth. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Indian Head Massage has been practised in India for over 1000 years. Traditionally the techniques were restricted to the head and hair, to improve scalp and hair condition of Indian women. Nowadays a system incorporating the upper back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and face, has evolved (developed by Norendra Mehta) in the belief that these are important energy centres in the body and by treating these the whole body can benefit.

LAStone therapy was developed in the early 1990's by massage therapist Mary Nelson. It is a form of massage that uses hot and cold stones. The hot (water heated) stones are smooth volcanic black basalt, collected from riverbeds. The cooled stones are polished white marble.

Life Coaching Coaching helps to define the life you want to create for yourself and then helps you find a way to create the future you want. The therapist can help you to change anything, career, stress levels, confidence issues and help you to realise your dreams. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps to rid the body of toxins and excess lymph by stimulating the body's lymphatic system using specific massage techniques. This treatment is far more pleasant than it sounds. Manual Lymphatic Drainage. A gentle massage technique that works to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping the body to deal with toxins and waste. It is useful for reducing puffiness, clearing acne and reducing cellulite. It is also very relaxing and therefore relieves stress.

Neuromuscular Therapy, also known as Trigger Point Therapy or Myotherapy - applies concentrated thumb/finger pressure to "trigger points" to break cycles of muscle spasm and pain and to improve general function.

Neuro Linguistic Programming. NLP uses powerful language tools to create immediate changes
in behaviour. It has achieved permanent weight loss, cured phobias, reduced anxieties and helped recovery from ME.

Nutritional Therapy. Analyzing diet, understanding the connections to health problems and providing a personalized nutritional programme are key aspects of Nutritional Therapy. Whether you want to manage your weight, have a particular health problem or just want to improve your well being.

On-site massage is an effective way of offering the benefits of massage in the workplace and other public areas. A growing number of businesses are now providing this facility to their employees as part of an overall employee health and benefits programme. Employers believe that having healthy employees translates into increased competitiveness in the marketplace.

Pilates 1-1. A form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates. It is tailored to the needs of the individual and is very useful in recovery from injury, back pain, postural problems or to improve general fitness. It focuses on breathing, core strength, posture, strength and flexibility. Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929

Reflexology is a gentle and effective form of therapeutic treatment applied to the feet and sometimes to the hands. Reflexology is considered to be a holistic healing technique that aims to treat the individual as a whole, in order to induce a state of balance and harmony in body, mind and spirit.

Reiki in St.Albans. (pronounced ray-key) means "universal life energy". It is a Japanese system of healing which promotes all aspects of well-being. Reiki Originating in Japan, Reiki is a hands-on or hands-off healing system. It works on the life force or energy, helping it to rebalance and heal. It works on all levels, mind, body and spirit. The result is a feeling of relaxation and a sense of being recharged and more able to cope with the demands of life.

Remedial massage is one of the most effective and readily available ways to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain and soreness. Remedial massage is based on the fact that soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) respond to touch. Most pain is myofascial (soft tissue) in origin. Trigger points (sensitive points in muscles, which radiate or refer pain to various parts of the body) can mimic many conditions. Muscles not only move our joints, they stabilise them, and they provide armour for the internal organs, minor problems with these functions cause more pain than most people realise. Most headaches originate in the muscles of the neck and head. Much of the pain of such conditions as angina comes from the hypercontraction of the chest muscles. Much abdominal and pelvic pain can be caused by trigger points in the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Low back pain and sciatic pain are far more likely to originate in muscles than in vertebral disc problems.

Fascia or connective tissue binds and connects all the structures inside the body - organs, bones, blood vessels, nerves etc. Fascia comes in the form of a single tough sheet that connects everything from head to toe. This interconnection means that if the fascia gets thick or tense in one area of your body, it could pull on muscles, bones, or nerves somewhere else.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word, which literally translated means ‘finger pressure’. A Shiatsu treatment does however incorporate the use not only of finger pressure, but also thumbs, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and feet. Pressure is applied to the areas of energy lines (meridians) to promote good health by 'stimulating the bodys energy flow (Ki)'.

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one is an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger.

Theraputic Soft Tissue Massage. A manipulation of soft tissue to ease tension and stimulate circulation. The therapist will customize the massage to the needs of the individual. It is both energising and relaxing.

Yoga 1-1 - St.Albans. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise which lightens the spirit and calms the mind while developing physical strength and flexibility. Working 1-1 enables the therapist to develop a unique programme for the individual.

With thanks to Massage Therapy UK and Ginger Natural Health - 44 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG Telephone: 01727 869 929